Inaugural 'Stand Down' event planned for September

The term "stand down" in times of war meant that exhausted combat units requiring time to rest and recover were removed from the battlefields to a place of relative security and safety. Today, Stand Down refers to a community-based intervention program designed to help veterans, Active duty service members, reserve and guard service members and their families. The "Stand Down" concept is all about Americans helping Americans; Mendocino and Lake County will be hosting an inaugural Stand Down event on Sept. 10 and 11.

Veterans, active duty personnel and their families are encouraged to come out to the two day event to learn about the benefits that are readily available to them. These resources will be gathered all in one place to provide services on site, education and enrollment in programs that will meet the short and/or long-term needs of the entire family.

Many veterans are unable to access the services they required because the agencies are spread out over a wide geographic area. This is especially frustrating for disabled or homeless veterans exerting undue time and energy going from one agency to another. In assisting veterans who are homeless, sometimes it takes just one small service for them to break out of the cycle of homelessness, such as needing a photo ID card, a bus token or a pair of shoes to start a new job.

The Mendocino-Lake County Stand-Down will offer access to a wide range of services. These services include on-site medical and dental attention, as well as, on-site enrollment in healthcare and supplemental nutrition programs. Employment and educational counselling and benefits, legal services and mental health counselling will also be available. Homeless and at risk services include clothing, food boxes and housing assistance. Lunch will also served.

Volunteers are needed prior to, during and after the event and donations are welcome. Any amount of time would be greatly appreciated. If interested, please contact the Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Veterans Service Office at 707-463-4226 or watkinsa@co.mendocino.ca.us. The Mendocino Veterans' Services Office is located at 405 Observatory Ave in Ukiah.

If you are an individual or family that can take advantage of these services, please come to the event. If you know of an individual or family, encourage them to learn more about what is available to them. The services provided at the Stand-Down/Homeless event are in place to honor the time, the effort and the sacrifices that has been given to our country.

The Mendocino and Lake County Stand Down/Homeless Veteran's Resource Fair will be held on Sept. 10 & 11 at the Clearlake Memorial Building at 14770 Austin Road, Clearlake, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.